Integrity legislation was promised
By successive governments
And their many passionate speeches
Spoke of genuine intent.
It was felt that thievery
Had to be brought to a halt
Since the very last Government
Was mostly at fault.
They had done their utmost
To become filthy rich
And in their obsession with wealth
They hadn’t missed a trick.
Thus, the current Government
Like the two before
Promised to do much better but since,
Has done no more.
Two bites at the cherry
And two thirty-loves after
There is still no integrity legislation
Bar scorn and laughter.
No public declaration
Certainly, as far as I know,
Therefore, like all the ones before them,
They are a no-show.
Prior to Elections 2018
A promise was made
To bring to justice those found guilty
But this, to no avail.
The USA did even better
Regarding a certain allegation
And a former DLP Cabinet Minister
Was actually imprisoned.
But nothing was uncovered
By the present Government
And the proposed integrity legislation
Is still an elusive event.
From the Tom Adams era
And that of Arthur and Stuart,
I have no doubt integrity legislation
Influenced the vote.
One public declaration
Was a private one
Declared to the then Prime Minister
Who is long gone.
Another PM declared his,
Raising some doubts
But his MPs did not follow through,
Showing some clout.
They did not have to
Since it wasn’t the law
And the info omitted by the PM,
Only he saw.
Hundred-day promises
Also went abegging
And up to now in twenty-twenty-five
Legislation is still lagging.
When will it come about?
Hold not your breath
For holding one’s breath too long
Is flirting with death.
Who will guard the guards?
Hopefully, the Law,
But a law that is yet to be passed,
Only highlights a flaw.
Integrity legislation
Is really about integrity,
If one has something one wants to hide,
It will cause one misery.
What other reason
Can anyone come up with
For integrity legislation still lacking
And so far, is a myth?
Two bites at the cherry
With a third drawing nigh,
If you favour this legislation, say “Yea”
And “Nay” if it you decry.
My wish for Independence
Anniversary number 59 is:
Please bring the integrity legislation
Promised a long time.
Stewart Russell ©November 18, 2025
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